Dallas Cowboys Blog

IRVING – A decision has yet to be made, but Cowboys coach Jason Garrett acknowledged Thursday that the team is considering switching tackles Doug Free and Tyron Smith before next season.

“It’s certainly a possibility,” Garrett said.

Smith, who played on the right side, excelled as a rookie and proved to be the team’s most consistent offensive lineman while Free, a five-year veteran, experienced his share of struggles while protecting quarterback Tony Romo’s blind side.

Free committed a team-high 10 penalties and also surrendered 9.5 sacks – the same total Smith yielded during his first season as a pro.

Garrett said the versatility of both players has allowed the Cowboys to consider making the move – one they would hope to finalize before the team convenes for training camp.

“We feel like they’re both physically capable of doing both, so that’s the attractive part,” Garrett said. “…We’re trying to make the best fit for our football team and for each of those guys so they can play their best. If we were to do that, we’d try to do it earlier rather than later just to give them enough opportunity to do it and get better at it.”

Newly-appointed offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who lavished praise on Smith, said he believes the 21-year-old lineman would make a smooth transition to the left side if he were asked to change positions.

“He was so athletic, I think he could have played anywhere across the line,” Callahan said. “…I think all the tackles that you coach, the guards, have to be versatile enough to flip sides at some point. So maybe this year’s that point in time.”